Biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management

ABSTRACT

A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. A fluid management tank is fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path between the first end and the second end. The fluid management tank includes a filter arrangement to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/259,494 filed Sep. 23, 2011, which is a U.S. national phase ofInterantional Application No. PCT/US2009/040663, filed Apr. 15, 2009,from which is priority is claimed and which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a biopsy apparatus, and, moreparticularly, to a biopsy apparatus having integrated fluid management.

2. Description of the Related Art

A biopsy may be performed on a patient to help in determining whetherthe cells in a biopsied region are cancerous. One biopsy technique usedto evaluate breast tissue, for example, involves inserting a biopsyprobe into the breast tissue region of interest to capture one or moretissue samples from the region. Such a biopsy technique often utilizes avacuum to pull the tissue to be sampled into a sample notch of thebiopsy probe, after which the tissue is severed and collected. One typeof vacuum assisted biopsy apparatus includes a hand-held driver assemblyhaving a vacuum source, and a disposable biopsy probe assemblyconfigured for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. However, inthe presence of the desired negative pressure generated by the vacuumsource, residual biopsy biological material, e.g., blood and particulatematter, may be drawn into the vacuum path from the patient along withthe tissue sample, and thus potentially contaminating the hand-helddriver assembly. Also, in the event of an undesirable positive pressurearising in the vacuum path, the potential exists for a reverse flow offluid in a direction from the hand-held driver assembly to the patientvia the disposable biopsy probe assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a fully integrated hand-held biopsyapparatus having fluid management to reduce the potential for a transferof contaminants during a biopsy procedure.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” preceding an elementname, e.g., first vacuum path, second vacuum path, etc., are foridentification purposes to distinguish between different elements havingsimilar characteristic, and are not intended to necessarily imply order,unless otherwise specified, nor are the terms “first” and “second”intended to preclude the inclusion of additional similar elements.

The invention in one form is directed to a biopsy apparatus. The biopsyapparatus includes a driver assembly configured to be grasped by a userand a disposable biopsy probe assembly configured for releasableattachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes anelectromechanical power source, a vacuum source, and a first vacuum pathpermanently associated with the vacuum source. The first vacuum path hasa proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being fixedly coupledto the vacuum source in fluid communication therewith. The first vacuumpath has a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit anegative pressure fluid flow toward the vacuum source and to prevent apositive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source toward thedistal end. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a transmissiondevice, a biopsy probe, and a second vacuum path. The transmissiondevice is configured for driving engagement with the electromechanicalpower source. The biopsy probe is drivably coupled to the transmissiondevice, and the biopsy probe has a sample basket for receiving a biopsytissue sample. The second vacuum path has a first end and a second end,the first end being configured for removable attachment to the distalend of the first vacuum path and the second end being coupled in fluidcommunication with the sample basket. The second vacuum path has asecond one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negativepressure fluid flow from the sample basket and to redundantly preventthe positive pressure fluid flow from the first end of the second vacuumpath toward the sample basket.

In some embodiments, for example, the disposable biopsy probe assemblymay further include a fluid management tank fluidically interposed inthe second vacuum path between the first end and the second end. Thefluid management tank includes a body and a filter arrangement containedwithin the body. The filter arrangement is configured to prevent a flowof residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to thevacuum source.

The invention in another form is directed to a fluid management systemfor use in a biopsy apparatus that utilizes a biopsy probe having asample basket configured to receive a biopsy tissue sample. The fluidmanagement system includes a vacuum source, a non-disposable vacuumpath, and a disposable vacuum path. The non-disposable vacuum path has aproximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being fixedly coupled tothe vacuum source in fluid communication therewith. The non-disposablevacuum path includes a first one-way valve configured and arranged topermit a negative pressure fluid flow toward the vacuum source and toprevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum sourcetoward the distal end of the non-disposable vacuum path. The disposablevacuum path is temporarily coupled in fluid communication with thevacuum source via the non-disposable vacuum path. The disposable vacuumpath has a first end and a second end, the first end being configuredfor removable attachment to the distal end of the non-disposable vacuumpath and the second end being coupled in fluid communication with thesample basket. The disposable vacuum path includes a second one-wayvalve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flowtoward the vacuum source from the sample basket and to redundantlyprevent the positive pressure fluid flow away from the distal end of thenon-disposable vacuum path toward the sample basket.

The invention in another form is directed to a disposable biopsy probeassembly configured for releasable attachment to a driver assemblyhaving an electromechanical power source, a vacuum source, and a firstvacuum path permanently associated with the vacuum source. Thedisposable biopsy probe assembly includes a transmission device, abiopsy probe, a second vacuum path, and a fluid management tank. Thetransmission device is configured for driving engagement with theelectromechanical power source. The biopsy probe is drivably coupled tothe transmission device. The biopsy probe has a sample basket forreceiving a biopsy tissue sample. The second vacuum path has a first endand a second end, the first end being configured for removableattachment to the first vacuum path and the second end being coupled influid communication with the sample basket. The second vacuum path has aone-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressurefluid flow from the sample basket and to prevent a positive pressurefluid flow from the first end of the second vacuum path toward thesample basket. A fluid management tank is fluidically interposed in thesecond vacuum path between the first end and the second end. The fluidmanagement tank includes a body and a filter arrangement containedwithin the body configured to prevent a flow of residual biopsybiological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source with thenegative pressure fluid flow. The filter arrangement includes aplurality of fluid absorption layers arranged side by side, each fluidabsorption layer being spaced apart from an adjacent fluid absorptionlayer, and each fluid absorption layer having a respective throughopening, wherein adjacent through openings of the plurality of fluidabsorption layers are offset to form a tortuous open fluid passagewaythrough the plurality of fluid absorption layers.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, the fluidconnection interface between the driver assembly and the disposablebiopsy probe assembly is automatic upon installation of the disposablebiopsy probe assembly on the driver assembly. Thus, no specific operatoractions are required to establish the connection between the vacuum pathof the disposable biopsy probe assembly and the vacuum source of thedriver assembly.

Also, in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention, thebiopsy apparatus is provided with multiple levels of prevention ofcross-contamination between the non-invasive reusable driver assemblyand the disposable biopsy probe assembly. In addition, there is providedmultiple levels of prevention of reverse flow (positive pressure flow)from the vacuum source towards the patient. Also, the prevention ofcross-contamination is facilitated by having on the disposable biopsyprobe assembly a fluid management tank to provide fully enclosed storageof biopsy fluids with reduced risk of post-procedure spillage andmultiple stages of absorption of biopsy liquids from vacuum pathway, aswell as doing so while permitting 360-degree turnability of the biopsyapparatus without compromising vacuum pathways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biopsy apparatus, configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with adisposable biopsy probe mounted to a driver assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a biopsy apparatus of FIG. 1, with thedisposable biopsy probe detached from the driver assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the biopsy apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a vacuum seal element of the vacuumpath of the driver assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a vacuum seal element of the vacuumpath of the disposable biopsy probe of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the fluid management tank of thedisposable biopsy probe shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with a portion brokenaway to expose a filter arrangement;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of a plurality of fluid absorption layers ofthe filter arrangement of FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a porous filter element of the filterarrangement of FIG. 5A.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,there is shown a biopsy apparatus 10 which generally includes anon-invasive, e.g., non-disposable, driver assembly 12 and a disposablebiopsy probe assembly 14.

Referring also to FIG. 3, driver assembly 12 and disposable biopsy probeassembly 14 collectively include a fluid management system 16 thatincludes a vacuum source 18, first vacuum path 20 and a second vacuumpath 22. Vacuum source 18 and a first vacuum path 20 are permanentlyassociated with driver assembly 12, and a second vacuum path 22 ispermanently associated with disposable biopsy probe assembly 14, as morefully described below, to help facilitate the safe and effectivecollection of a biopsy tissue sample.

As used herein, the term “non-disposable” is used to refer to a devicethat is intended for use on multiple patients during the lifetime of thedevice, and the term “disposable” is used to refer to a device that isintended to be disposed of after use on a single patient. Also, the term“vacuum path” means a fluid passageway used to facilitate a vacuumbetween two points, the fluid passageway passing through one or morecomponents, such as for example, one or more of tubing, conduits,couplers, and interposed devices. Also, the term “permanentlyassociated” means a connection that is not intended for releasableattachment on a routine basis during the lifetime of the components.Thus, for example, driver assembly 12 including vacuum source 18 andfirst vacuum path 20 is reusable as a unit in its entirety, whereasdisposable biopsy probe assembly 14 and second vacuum path 22 aredisposable as a unit in its entirety.

Driver assembly 12 includes a housing 24 configured, and ergonomicallydesigned, to be grasped by a user. Driver assembly 12 includes(contained within housing 24) vacuum source 18, first vacuum path 20, acontroller 26, an electromechanical power source 28, and a vacuummonitoring mechanism 30. A user interface 32 is located to be mountedto, and externally accessible with respect to, housing 24.

Controller 26 is communicatively coupled to electromechanical powersource 28, vacuum source 18, user interface 32, and vacuum monitoringmechanism 30. Controller 26 may include, for example, a microprocessorand associated memory for executing program instructions to performfunctions associated with the retrieval of biopsy tissue samples, suchas controlling one or more components of vacuum source 18 andelectromechanical power source 28. Controller 26 also may executeprogram instructions to monitor one or more conditions and/or positionsof components of biopsy apparatus 10, and to monitor the status of fluidmanagement system 16 associated with driver assembly 12 and disposableprobe assembly 14.

The user interface 32 includes control buttons 321 and visual indicators322, with control buttons 321 providing user control over variousfunctions of biopsy apparatus 10, and visual indicators 322 providingvisual feedback of the status of one or more conditions and/or positionsof components of biopsy apparatus 10.

The electromechanical power source 28 may include, for example, anelectrical energy source, e.g., battery, 34 and an electrical driveassembly 36. Battery 34 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery.Battery 34 provides electrical power to all electrically poweredcomponents in biopsy device 10, and thus for simplicity in the drawings,such electrical couplings are not shown. For example, battery 34 iselectrically coupled to vacuum source 18, controller 26, user interface32 and electrical drive assembly 36.

In the present embodiment, electrical drive assembly 36 includes a firstdrive 361 and a second drive 362, each being respectively coupled tobattery 34, and each of first drive 361 and second drive 362respectively electrically and controllably coupled to user interface 32.

First drive 361 may include an electrical motor 381 and a motiontransfer unit 401 (shown schematically by a line). Second drive 362 mayinclude an electrical motor 382 and a motion transfer unit 402 (shownschematically by a line). Each electrical motor 381, 382 may be, forexample, a direct current (DC) motor, stepper motor, etc. Motiontransfer unit 401 of first drive 361 may be configured, for example,with a rotational-to-linear motion converter, such as a worm geararrangement, rack and pinion arrangement, solenoid-slide arrangement,etc. Motion transfer unit 402 of second drive 362 may be configured totransmit rotary motion. Each of first drive 361 and second drive 362 mayinclude one or more of a gear, gear train, belt/pulley arrangement, etc.

Vacuum source 18 is electrically coupled to battery 34, and has a vacuumsource port 181 for establishing a vacuum. Vacuum source 18 iselectrically and controllably coupled to user interface 32. Vacuumsource 18 may further include, for example, a vacuum pump 182 driven byan electric motor 183. Vacuum pump 182 may be, for example, aperistaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, syringe-type pump, etc.

First vacuum path 20 of driver assembly 12 is permanently associatedwith vacuum source 18. First vacuum path 20, also sometimes referred toas a non-disposable vacuum path, has a proximal end 201 and a distal end202, and includes, for example, conduits 203, a first one-way valve 204,and a particulate filter 205. Proximal end 201 is fixedly coupled tovacuum source 18 in fluid communication therewith, e.g., is fixedlyconnected to vacuum source port 181 of vacuum source 18. Referring alsoto FIG. 4A, distal end 202 includes a first vacuum seal element 206. Inthe present embodiment, first vacuum seal element 206 is a planarabutment surface that surrounds a first passageway 207 of first vacuumpath 20.

First one-way valve 204 is configured and arranged to permit a negativepressure fluid flow toward vacuum source 18 and to prevent a positivepressure fluid flow away from vacuum source 18 toward the distal end 202of first vacuum path 20. The first one-way valve 204 may be, forexample, a check-valve, such as a ball valve or reed valve, that openswith a fluid flow toward vacuum source 18, and closes in the case of areverse (positive) flow away from vacuum source 18.

In the present embodiment, particulate filter 205 is located betweenvacuum source 18 and distal end 202 of first vacuum path 20. Particulatefilter 205 may be, for example, a mesh screen formed from metal orplastic. However, it is contemplated that particulate filter 205 may belocated in fluid management system 16 between vacuum source 18 and avacuum receiving component of biopsy probe assembly 14.

The vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 is coupled to vacuum source 18 toshut off vacuum source 18 when a sensed vacuum level has fallen below athreshold level. Vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 may include, forexample, a vacuum monitor and control program executing on controller26, and a pressure sensor 301 coupled to controller 26, and in fluidcommunication with first vacuum path 20 for detecting a pressure infirst vacuum path 20. If, for example, the vacuum flow level in firstvacuum path 20 falls below a predetermined level, indicating arestriction in fluid management system 16, controller 26 may respond byshutting off vacuum source 18, e.g., turning off electric motor 183.Alternatively, controller 26 may monitor the current supplied toelectric motor 183, and if the current exceeds a predetermined amount,indicating a restriction in fluid management system 16, controller 26may respond by shutting off vacuum source 18, e.g., turning off electricmotor 183.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 is configured for releasableattachment to driver assembly 12. As used herein, the term “releasableattachment” means a configuration that facilitates an intended temporaryconnection followed by selective detachment involving a manipulation ofdisposable biopsy probe assembly 14 relative to driver assembly 12,without the need for tools.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 includes a frame 141 to which atransmission device 42, a biopsy probe 44, and the second vacuum path 22are mounted. Biopsy probe 44 is drivably coupled to transmission device42, and transmission device 42 is drivably coupled to electromechanicalpower source 28 of driver assembly 12.

In the embodiment shown, transmission device 42 includes a first drivenunit 421 and a second driven unit 422 that are drivably engaged withvarious components of biopsy probe 44. Also, first driven unit 421 isdrivably engaged with first drive 361 of electrical drive assembly 36 ofdriver assembly 12. Second driven unit 422 is drivably engaged withsecond drive 362 of electrical drive assembly 36 of driver assembly 12.

In the embodiment shown (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3), biopsy probe 44 includesa sample basket 441 and a cutter cannula 442. Sample basket 441 has asharpened tip 443 to aid in puncturing tissue and has a sample notch 444in the form of a recessed region for receiving a biopsy tissue sample.

In operation, cutter cannula 442 is linearly driven by first driven unit421 to traverse over sample notch 444 of sample basket 441. For example,first driven unit 421 may be in the form of a linear slide that isdrivably engaged with first drive 361 of driver assembly 12, which inturn drives cutter cannula 442 in a first direction 46 to expose samplenotch 444 of sample basket 441, and drives cutter cannula 442 in asecond direction 48 opposite to first direction 46 to sever tissueprolapsed into sample notch 444. Also, first driven unit 421 and seconddriven unit 422 may be configured to operate in unison to advance bothsample basket 441 and cutter cannula 442 in unison in a piercing shotoperation to aid in inserting biopsy probe 44 into fibrous tissue.

The second driven unit 422 may include a flexible toothed rack 50 and agear train 52. Flexible toothed rack 50 is connected to sample basket441, and gear train 52 is engaged with the teeth of flexible toothedrack 50. In operation, second drive 362 transfers rotary motion to geartrain 52, and in turn gear train 52 engages flexible toothed rack 50 tomove sample basket 441 linearly to transport the tissue captured insample notch 444 out of the body of the patient. Flexible toothed rack50 is received in a coiling unit 54 when retracting, thereby enablingsubstantial reduction in the overall device length of biopsy apparatus10 as compared to a rigid capture system. The severed tissue sample istransported out of the body of the patient and into tissue samplechamber 56 (mounted to frame 141), which scoops the tissue sample out ofsample notch 444.

In the present embodiment, the second vacuum path 22, also sometimesreferred to as a disposable vacuum path 22, has a first end 221 and asecond end 222, and includes for example, conduits 223, a second one-wayvalve 224, and a fluid management tank 225. The first end 221 isconfigured for removable attachment to the distal end 202 of the firstvacuum path 20 of driver assembly 12. The second end 222 is coupled influid communication with sample basket 441, and more particularly, iscoupled in fluid communication with sample notch 444 of sample basket441.

Referring also to FIG. 4B, the first end 221 of the disposable vacuumpath 22 includes a second vacuum seal element 226. The first vacuum sealelement 206 of the driver assembly 12 contacts the second vacuum sealelement 226 of the disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 in sealingengagement when the disposable biopsy probe assembly 14 is attached todriver assembly 12. The second vacuum seal element 226 is a compliant,e.g., rubber, annular member that surrounds a second passageway 227 ofthe second vacuum path 22.

The second one-way valve 224 configured and arranged to permit thenegative pressure fluid flow from sample basket 441 toward the first end221 of the second vacuum path 22, and to redundantly (in conjunctionwith first one-way valve 204 of driver assembly 12) prevent any positivepressure fluid flow in a direction from the first end 221 of the secondvacuum path 22 toward sample basket 441. In other words, the secondone-way valve 224 provides a redundant second level of protection inpreventing any positive pressure from reaching sample notch 444 ofsample basket 441. In the present embodiment, the second one-way valve224 may be, for example, a duckbill valve, e.g., a reed-type valve, thatopens with a fluid flow out the bill portion of the duckbill valve, andcloses with a reverse flow. As shown, the second one-way valve 224 maybe positioned within the second vacuum seal element 226 at first end 221of second vacuum path 22.

Referring also to FIG. 5A, fluid management tank 225 is fluidicallyinterposed in the second vacuum path 22 between the first end 221 andthe second end 222. Fluid management tank 225 includes a body 58 and afilter arrangement 60 contained within body 58 configured to prevent aflow of residual biopsy biological material, e.g., blood and particulatematter, from sample notch 444 of sample basket 441 to vacuum source 18of driver assembly 12.

Body 58 of fluid management tank 225 has a first port 581 and a secondport 582, with the second vacuum path 22 continuing between the firstport 581 and the second port 582. The second port 582 of fluidmanagement tank 225 is coupled to sample basket 441. Each of the secondone-way valve 224 and the second vacuum seal element 226 of the secondvacuum path 22 is coupled to the first port 581 of fluid management tank225, and in the present embodiment, is mounted to an external surface ofbody 58 of fluid management tank 225.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, filter arrangement 60 includes aplurality of fluid absorption layers 62, individually identified aslayers 621, 622, 623 and 624, arranged side by side, with each fluidabsorption layer 621, 622, 623 and 624 being spaced apart from anadjacent fluid absorption layer e.g., 621 to 622, 622 to 623, 623, to624. Each fluid absorption layer 621, 622, 623 and 624 has a respectivethrough opening 641, 642, 643, 644, wherein adjacent through openings ofthrough openings 641, 642, 643, 644 of the plurality of fluid absorptionlayers 62 are offset one to the next, e.g., in at least one of an X, Y,and Z direction, to form a tortuous open fluid passageway 66 through theplurality of fluid absorption layers 62. Each fluid absorption layer621, 622, 623 and 624 may be, for example, a blotting paper.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5C, filter arrangement 60 may furtherinclude a porous filter element 68 arranged to be fluidically in serieswith the plurality of fluid absorption layers 62 along the second vacuumpath 22 that defines second passageway 227. The porous filter element 68exhibits increased restriction to fluid flow as an increased number ofpores 70 in the porous filter element 68 become clogged by residualbiopsy biological material, such as blood and tissue particles. When avolume of the fluid flow through fluid management tank 225 has beenreduced to a predetermined level, vacuum monitoring mechanism 30 sensesthe vacuum restriction, and controller 26 responds to shut off vacuumsource 18.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least oneembodiment, the present invention can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A boipsy apparatus, comprising: (a) a driverassembly configured to be grasped by a user, including: anelectromechanical power source; a vacuum source; and a first vacuum pathpermanently associated with said vacuum source, said first vacuum pathhaving a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being fixedlycoupled to said vacuum source in fluid communication therewith, saidfirst vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arrangedto permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward said vacuum source andto prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from said vacuum sourcetoward said distal end; and (b) a disposable biopsy probe assemblyconfigured for releasable attachment to said driver assembly, saiddisposable biopsy probe assembly including: a transmission deviceconfigured to drive engagement with said electromechanical power source;a biopsy probe drivably coupled to said transmission device, said biopsyprobe having a sample basket configured to receive a biopsy tissuesample; a second vacuum path having a first end and a second end, saidfirst end being configured for removable attachment to said distal endof said first vacuum path and said second end being coupled in fluidcommunication with said sample basket, said second vacuum path having asecond one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negativepressure fluid flow from said sample basket and to redundantly preventthe positive pressure fluid flow from said first end of said secondvacuum path toward said sample basket; and a fluid management tankfluidically interposed in said second vacuum path between said first endand said second end, said fluid management tank including body and afilter arrangement contained within the body configured to prevent aflow of residual biopsy biological material from said sample basket tosaid vacuum source.
 2. The biopsy apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidfilter arrangement includes a plurality of fluid absorption layersarranged side by side, each fluid absorption layer being spaced apartfrom an adjacent fluid absorption layer, each fluid absorption layerhaving a respective through opening, wherein adjacent through openingsof said plurality of fluid absorption layers are offset to form atortuous open fluid passageway through said plurality of fluidabsorption layers from one fluid absorption layer to a next fluidabsorption layer.
 3. The biopsy apparatus of claim 2, wherein saidfilter arrangement further includes a porous filter element arranged tobe fluidically in series with said plurality of fluid absorption layersalong said second vacuum path, wherein said porous filter elementexhibits increased restriction to fluid flow as an increased number ofpores in said porous filter element become clogged by residual biopsybiological material.
 4. The biopsy apparatus of claim 3, comprising avacuum monitoring mechanism coupled to said vacuum source to shut offsaid vacuum source when a volume of said fluid flow through said fluidmanagement tank has been reduced to a predetermined level.
 5. The biopsyapparatus of claim 4, wherein said vacuum monitoring mechanism includesa pressure sensor in fluid communication with said first vacuum path. 6.The biopsy apparatus of claim 1, wherein said filter arrangementincludes a plurality of fluid absorption layers arranged side by side ina first direction, each fluid absorption layer being spaced apart froman adjacent fluid absorption layer in the first direction, saidplurality of fluid absorption layers includes a first fluid absorptionlayer having a first through opening and a third fluid absorption layerhaving a third through opening, and wherein the first through openingand the third through opening are aligned along a fluid passageway in adirection transverse to the first direction, and wherein a second fluidabsorption layer of the plurality of fluid absorption layers isinterposed in the fluid passageway between the first through opening andthe third through opening in the direction transverse to the firstdirection.
 7. The biopsy apparatus of claim 1, comprising a particulatefilter located between said vacuum source and said distal end of saidfirst vacuum path.
 8. The biopsy apparatus of claim 1, comprising: afirst vacuum seal element located at said distal end of said firstvacuum path a second vacuum seal element located at the first end ofsaid second vacuum path, said first vacuum seal element contacting saidsecond vacuum seal element in sealing engagement when said disposablebiopsy probe assembly is attached to said driver assembly; and said bodyof said fluid management tank having a first port and a second port,said second vacuum path continuing between said first port and saidsecond port, said second port being coupled to said sample basket; andeach of said second one-way valve and said second vacuum seal beingcoupled to said first port and mounted to an external surface of saidbody of said fluid management tank.